Martin

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After studying instrument making in the shop of Viennese luthier Johann Stauffer, Christian Frederick Martin returned to his hometown of Markneukirchen in what is now eastern Germany. The town's violin makers considered the guitar little more than furniture and forbade him from opening a business. Although he was eventually vindicated, hurt feelings and the death of his father caused him to pack his tools and immigrate with his wife and two children to the New World. He arrived in New York City in November 1833 and promptly set up a thriving music store near what is now the mouth of the Holland Tunnel. In 1839, he moved to Nazareth in eastern Pennsylvania, a small town of Germanic immigrants. There, his exquisitely made instruments evolved to provide the very definition of "the guitar." To this day, professional and amateur musicians prize Martin guitars for their tone, consistency, quality and attention to handcrafted detail.

"The guitars we're building today, I believe, are among the best in our company's history-models for every taste and playing style, from the traditional to the most avant-garde. When future generations look back at what we've done, I want them to see how much of our great tradition we have sustained and, at the same time, to see how boldly we have moved into the future."

-- Chris Martin, Sixth generation of the Martin family to run the business

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About Martin:

When you're looking to purchase a guitar from a brand that has plenty of experience, it's hard to find one better qualified than Martin. With over 180 years of experience producing guitars for amateurs and touring professionals alike, Martin knows what it takes to make a guitar that is going to sound unlike any instrument you have had the opportunity to play before.

Over the years, Martin guitars have graced stages with some of the most skilled, impressive, and popular performers the world has ever seen. Today, musicians such as Jason Isbell, Amanda Shires, Chris Carrabba, Chuck Ragan, Jake Bugg, the guys in Frightened Rabbit and the Gaslight Anthem, Dallas Green of City and Colour, Ed Sheeran, Mumford & Sons and more all love their Martin guitars and make use of them at every opportunity. With such a diverse and impressive lineup of artists toting their Martin guitars from show to show, it's no wonder you're looking for one of your own.

So which one of these beautiful guitars is right for you? Well, that's going to come down to need and personal preference. For example, if you're looking for a great entry level guitar as your first instrument, you'll love an option like the X Series LX1E Little Martin Acoustic-Electric. This guitar is incredibly portable and comfortable. It features a solid Sitka spruce soundboard that helps to deliver tight, rich tone, as well as Fishman Isys T electronics for when you're ready to plug into your amp and go electric.

Now, on the other hand, if you're looking for a guitar that is absolutely stunning in every way, you're going to want to see what the 000-28 Eric Clapton Signature Acoustic Guitar has to offer you. This guitar is handcrafted with premium East Indian rosewood back and sides along with a top made of select quartersawn Sitka spruce. The results of this construction are unquestionably spectacular tones that will give you chills as you strum. Built with "Slow Hand" in mind, this guitar is a must for any fan of Clapton's legendary work.

And these are only two of the great options Martin has available to you. Whether you're looking for an amazing instrument, or accessories such as strings and cases, Martin has you covered. With the experience and the skills, they truly are among the elite names in the music industry.